$1.3 million raised for cancer treatment

A spectacular setting, generosity of the season and the prospect of a revolutionary new cancer treatment came together at the ninth annual Jingle Mingle fundraiser for the BC Cancer Foundation.

The result was a record-­breaking $1.34 million raised – critical funds that will launch a made-­in-­Victoria immunotherapy cancer treatment into clinical trials.

The Fairmont Empress Hotel ballroom was transformed into a chic winter chalet Dec. 3, when more than 350 guests gave the greatest gift of all: hope for cancer patients across B.C. Presented by Proline Property Management, Jingle Mingle is Victoria’s largest annual fundraising event and its impact will be felt by people across the province when immunotherapy-based treatments (Adoptive T cell Therapy) reach patients in a clinic trial in 2017.

“I’ve been truly blown away by the generosity of our community and their resolute commitment to the BC Cancer Foundation. Together, our support is giving the brilliant Dr. Brad Nelson and his team in Victoria the power to dramatically improve cancer treatment in our lifetime,” said Lorne Campbell, Jingle Mingle 2015 honourary chair.

An incredible supporter of Jingle Mingle and BC Cancer Agency researchers, Campbell made a $100,000 gift during the event’s live auction which was matched by his sister Bonnie’s $100,000. The auction generated an incredible wave of generosity, capped with a jaw-­dropping $500,000 gift.

“We believe in the work happening at the Deeley Research Centre and are so proud to help a new cancer treatment be made available to patients,” Campbell added on behalf of his family.

Over Jingle Mingle’s history, supporters have provided significant strategic funding for immunotherapy research to advance from a concept into a new treatment, specifically, Adoptive T cell Therapy. This patient-­by-­patient approach takes the person’s own T cells (from the immune system), multiplies the ones already attacking the cancer into billions and infuses them back into the patient’s bloodstream. This will launch a potent attack against cancer cells anywhere in the body.

“Cancer has touched us all and for some has had a devastating impact. Today, we all have reason to hope because the generosity of Victoria residents has meant a promising new cancer treatment is on the horizon. Thanks to Jingle Mingle guests, committee members, sponsors, volunteers and the Campbell family, Victoria is poised to become a Centre of Excellence in immunotherapy treatment production,” said Lou Del Gobbo, interim president and CEO, BC Cancer Foundation.

The BC Cancer Foundation’s Jingle Mingle has raised more than $4.7 million in its nine-­year history, with 100 per cent of funds going to the cause